‘Grant Enabled Me To Purchase Vital Tools’
WHEN I WAS TOLD THAT I WAS SUCCESSFUL I WAS SO HAPPY AND GOD KNOWS HOW GRATEFUL I AM TO THE GOVT: LORD
For Louisa May Lord starting a business was a dream come true, but when the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism gave her a $1000 grant, Ms Lord put it down to a blessing from above. Running the Jireh Hair and Beauty Salon and Boutique in Rakiraki, Ms Lord is a cut above the rest when it comes to the business of beauty.
“I just wanted to give it a try but didn’t really think that I would get the grant.
“When I was told that I was successful I was so happy and God knows how grateful I am to the Government for giving me this grant,” said Ms Lord.
She bought her hair products with the money she was given.
“My suppliers are in Nadi so as soon as I was given the grant I went and bought all the chemicals and the essential tools,” she said. “So many of us have been given the grant and we should count ourselves blessed to be recipients. “We need to use it for the purpose that it was given for.”
Ms Lord said that because of the grant she has been able to dream big and plan for expansion.
“I currently operate in a small downstairs room which houses the salon and the beauty and massage parlor,” she said.
“I want to take the entire top level of this building which is a huge space. That way I can spread out the business and maybe get some help.”
For a small and remote town, Ms Lord said business was good because of the reputation she has made for herself.
“I have a lot of returning customers. They are the ones who spread the good word of the work done here,” she said.
“Even though there is competition, I am at peace because the work of my hands is drawing people back to this salon.
“You give your ambition your best and you will achieve a lot.”
Ms Lord also acknowledged her family for their support.
“I am so grateful to my Mum and my dear sisters and friends who believed in me,” she said.
So many of us have been given the grant and we should count ourselves blessed to be recipients. Louisa May Lord Small and Micro Business Grant recipient